Co-parenting can be challenging, especially when it comes to coordinating communication, schedules, and expenses across two households. Fortunately, co-parenting apps like AppClose make this easier for me and many. In my detailed AppClose review, I’ll share my personal experience using the app with my children’s mother, explore its features, highlight the pros and cons, and compare it with other tools like OurFamilyWizard.
What is AppClose?
AppClose is a free co-parenting app designed to streamline communication, schedules, and child-related expenses. Marketed as “America’s Co-Parenting Destination”, it’s trusted by family law professionals and recommended in courts across all 50 states.
If you’ve heard of OurFamilyWizard (OFW), AppClose is a lot like that, except it’s 100% free. It helps co-parents reduce conflict, stay organized, and maintain reliable records that can be useful for both personal and legal purposes.
Key Features of AppClose
AppClose offers a wide range of tools to simplify co-parenting:
| Feature | What It Does / Why It Matters |
|---|---|
| Secure messaging & chat | Encrypted, time-stamped messages that cannot be deleted |
| Audio & video calling | VoIP calls with logged attempts and missed calls |
| Shared calendar / custody schedules | Templates for parenting time, drop-offs/pick-ups, swaps, and reminders |
| Expense tracking & payments | Manage child-related costs, request reimbursements, and pay through ipayou |
| “Circle” functionality | Add grandparents, attorneys, or caregivers with controlled visibility |
| Record-keeping & export | Export communications, expenses, and calendar events for legal use |
| AppClose Solo | Send requests to non-AppClose users via email or text while keeping logs |
| Free to use | No subscription fees or hidden costs |
Pros of Using AppClose
✅ Completely free – Unlike OFW or TalkingParents, AppClose doesn’t charge a subscription fee
✅ All-in-one solution – Combines messaging, scheduling, expense tracking, and record-keeping
✅ Court-admissible documentation – Communication records and reports are exportable
✅ Third-party inclusion – Attorneys, grandparents, or caregivers can be looped in
Cons & Limitations of AppClose
⚠️ Occasional glitches – Sometimes messages are delayed or there are notification errors
⚠️ Calendar issues – Repeating schedules can be difficult to set up
⚠️ Notification inaccuracies – Message counts may not always update correctly
⚠️ Learning curve – Certain features feel unintuitive for new users
⚠️ High-conflict stress – In toxic co-parenting dynamics, over-documentation can add tension
AppClose vs. OurFamilyWizard
One of the most common comparisons is AppClose vs. OurFamilyWizard:
- Cost: AppClose is free, while OurFamilyWizard costs about $144/year per parent (ouch)
- Court recognition: Both are widely accepted by family courts, but OFW is more established
- Features: OFW offers extra tools like their ToneMeter (to check for hostile language), while AppClose focuses on core functionality
- Accessibility: AppClose’s no-cost model makes it more accessible for families on a budget
If cost is a major factor, AppClose wins hands down. If you want premium extras and higher customer support, OFW may be worth considering.
Who Should Use AppClose?
AppClose works best for:
- Parents who want a free co-parenting app with core communication, scheduling, and expense tools
- Families who need legal documentation of interactions
- Co-parents who cooperate reasonably well and want organization without added costs (while I don’t get cooperation all the time, it still works for me)
It may not be ideal for:
- Parents with highly irregular or complex schedules
- Those needing advanced support or extra features like OFW’s ToneMeter
Final Verdict: Is AppClose Worth It?
After using AppClose personally, I can say it delivers on its promise as a practical, free, and court-friendly co-parenting app. It helps reduce conflict, keeps everything in one place, and saves money compared to paid alternatives.
That said, it’s not flawless with occasional glitches or scheduling frustrations. Still, for the price of being free and with no ads, it’s one of the best co-parenting apps available in 2025.
Tips for Getting the Most Out of AppClose
- ✅ Check your notification settings to avoid missed alerts
- ✅ Export communication and expense logs regularly
- ✅ Limit your “circle” to only essential contacts
- ✅ Test repeating events before relying on them
- ✅ Keep screenshots as backups in case of glitches
My Conclusion
AppClose is an excellent tool for co-parents looking for a budget-friendly, all-in-one co-parenting app. While I’ve noticed areas that could be improved, it currently provides everything I need for managing schedules, communication, and expenses.
If you’re searching for a reliable and free alternative to OurFamilyWizard, I recommend giving AppClose a try.
